Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of Ruby Tuesday
So what: Along with the upgrade, Raymond James planted a price target of $10 on the stock, representing about 20% worth of upside to yesterday's close. Ruby Tuesday shares have been pummeled over the past year on weak same-store sales, but the Wall Street analyst cited effective cost-cutting measures and easier year-over-year comparisons as catalysts for a turnaround.
Now what: Going forward, management's cost savings should help Ruby Tuesday maintain its current annual free cash flow of about $75 million to $90 million. "If investors gain confidence that free cash flow is sustainable anywhere near these levels, we believe Ruby Tuesday has significant recovery potential," wrote Raymond James analyst Bryan Elliott. While that bodes well for the stock in the short-term, Ruby Tuesday's low returns on equity and lack of a durable competitive moat still make it a questionable long-term opportunity.
Interested in more info on Ruby Tuesday? Add it to your watchlist.
